Raiders Sign Veteran LB Nick Roach

The Oakland Raiders have signed veteran linebacker Nick Roach, General Manager Reggie McKenzie announced Friday.

Roach was the primary starter at strong-side linebacker for the Chicago Bears over the past five seasons, and filled in for injured middle linebacker Brian Urlacher in 2012, helping lead the Bears to a 10-6 record.

The 6-foot-1, 234-pound Roach, entering his seventh season out of Northwestern, played in 80 games with 59 starts over six years with Chicago. His career totals include 3 ½ sacks, 14 passes defensed, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries since entering the NFL as a non-drafted free agent in 2007.

Roach started 29 games over the past two years, and has played in at least 14 games in five of his six pro seasons. In 2012, he played in 16 games with 14 starts, posting 66 tackles (51 solo), 1 ½ sacks, one forced fumble, and matching a career high with four passes defensed.